The landmark decision is being seen as a litmus test for more than 2,000 cases that have been brought by state and local municipalities. They are seeking to hold drugmakers and distributors responsible for the destruction wrought by prescription painkillers.

The judge wrote that Johnson & Johnson's "false, deceptive and misleading" opioid marketing created a "nuisance" in the state.

Johnson & Johnson denied any wrongdoing and promised to appeal the case.

In contrast with last year's G-7 drama, Trump ended this year’s gathering Monday with a bear hug for French President Emmanuel Macron and a declaration of unity.

“If there’s any word for this particular meeting of seven important countries, it’s unity,” the president said Monday at a press conference, just before heading back to Washington. “We got along great.”

The summit may have ended with a similar policy gap as last year's, with little by way of concrete results — except for one that could pay long-term dividends for some of those present: World leaders seem to have figured out how to deal with a president like Trump, NBC News’ Shannon Pettypiece writes in an analysis.

Up to 30 women are expected to take a judge up on his invitation to speak today at a hearing after financier Jeffrey Epstein killed himself while in federal custody before facing sex trafficking charges.

This morning's hearing was scheduled last week by U.S. District Judge Richard Berman, who presided over the case prosecutors brought against Epstein after the 66-year-old convicted felon was arrested on July 6.

The judge set the hearing after prosecutors asked that he scrap charges against Epstein since the defendant was dead. Berman said he would give prosecutors, Epstein lawyers and any victims a chance to speak.

Bradley Edwards, a lawyer for some of Epstein’s alleged victims, called the hearing "a historic day for crime victims in the United States."